10 Best Bass Distortion Pedals 2025 in the United States

The Darkglass Microtubes Infinity is a compact and versatile bass distortion pedal that also acts as a preamp, compressor, and audio interface. It offers a rich distortion with multiple tonal shaping options, including six touch-sensitive EQ sliders and a 6-band graphic EQ for precise control over your sound. Its gain range is broad, giving you everything from subtle grit to heavy distortion, suitable for a variety of bass styles. The pedal uses analog signal processing and features a true bypass, which means it won’t affect your tone when switched off. Powering the unit requires a standard 9V DC supply, which is common and easy to find.

The build quality is solid yet lightweight, making it easy to carry and fit on your pedalboard without taking up much space. Additional features like a built-in tuner, compressor with five ratios, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity for recording or practicing add extra value, especially for players who want to streamline their setup.

While the many features and controls might feel overwhelming for those who prefer a simple plug-and-play pedal, and its price and complexity might exceed the needs of casual players, bassists seeking a flexible distortion pedal that doubles as a preamp and recording tool will find the Microtubes Infinity to be a well-rounded option with excellent sound shaping and reliable build.

The Darkglass Vintage Microtubes Bass Overdrive Pedal is a versatile and well-regarded choice for bass players looking to add overdrive to their sound. This pedal offers four key controls: Level, Drive, Blend, and Era, allowing users to finely tune the overdriven signal's volume, saturation, mix with the clean signal, and character. This makes it suitable for a range of musical styles and preferences.

The pedal operates on a standard 9-volt adapter and has a relatively low power consumption of 20 milliamps, which is efficient for pedalboard setups. The analog signal format ensures a warm and natural sound quality, which is often preferred by musicians. Its silver finish and compact dimensions (2.7 x 2.9 x 4.4 inches) make it a durable and portable option for live performances and studio use.

Weighing 13 ounces, it strikes a good balance between robust build quality and ease of transport. Some users may find the lack of a true bypass feature a drawback, as it can affect the bypassed signal's purity. Additionally, while the pedal's controls offer significant flexibility, beginners might need some time to get accustomed to tweaking the settings to achieve their desired tone. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Darkglass Vintage Microtubes Bass Overdrive Pedal is well-suited for bassists who value tonal flexibility and high-quality sound in a compact and durable package.

The MXR M80 Bass D.I.+ PLUS is a versatile bass distortion pedal that doubles as a preamp and DI box, making it a strong choice for bass players who want multiple functions in one unit. It offers separate clean and distortion channels, giving you flexibility to dial in your sound with a good range of tone controls. The inclusion of a noise gate helps reduce unwanted hum and hiss, which is great for maintaining a clean signal during distorted play.

The pedal supports both XLR and 1/4" outputs, and has a phantom power switch, allowing it to easily integrate into live or recording setups. Its power requirement is a standard 9V supply, included in the bundle along with cables and a polish cloth, so you get everything needed to start playing right away. The build is compact and reasonably lightweight at 1.5 pounds, making it portable without sacrificing durability.

While it offers many features, it’s primarily analog in signal format, so it may lack some of the digital editing precision found in more complex units. For those seeking a solid, straightforward bass distortion pedal with extra preamp and DI capabilities in a convenient bundle, the MXR M80 Bass D.I.+ PLUS is a compelling option.